The Chelsea manager leapt to the defence of his players after they were not used by Steve McClaren in the final Euro 2008 game against Croatia but played for the club three days later.

Terry was spared by England because he had not completed his rehabilitation after a knee injury but Cole, who was included in the squad, was not used following ankle problems.

Petit suggested that their absence and implied lack of commitment was significant in England's failure to qualify, rather than the number of foreign players in this country.

But Grant said: "I know that my players did everything to play for England and we can judge Petit on how he behaved when he was a player."

Chelsea face West Ham tomorrow amid unrest from players who believe they should be playing more.

Andriy Shevchenko has voiced his discontent while Wayne Bridge is considering a January move.

Grant said: "Andriy is one of the best strikers in the history of football, and belongs to the team. At the minute he is not playing but in future I am sure he will be useful. Why is Bridge not happy? He belongs to the squad."